School Groups

Bluebell Railway Education Department

The Bluebell Railway is based at Sheffield Park Station, East Sussex, TN22 3QL, on the A275 some two miles north of the A272 and midway between Haywards Heath (7 miles) and Uckfield (8 miles). It runs some 11 miles north from Sheffield Park to Horsted Keynes, Kingscote and East Grinstead where it connects with Southern mainline trains. In all it provides a 22 mile round trip. The Railway’s four stations, its locomotives and its rolling stock cover a period of railway history from the 1870s to the 1950s and as such provide children with a unique insight into a way of life that has largely disappeared from the United Kingdom today.

Visits can be tailored to meet specific teaching needs relating to the National Curriculum, or to provide experience of specific events, such as WWII evacuation exercises, or occasions, such as enrichment days.

Trains normally depart Sheffield Park Station for the 1 hour 40 minute return journey but other arrangements are possible.

Please contact the Education Manager to discuss possibilities: education@bluebell-railway.com

Fares

School Visits: £10.00 pp
WWII Evacuation Package: £11.50 pp

We are pleased to be able to offer 1 free adult for every 6 children booked on school packages with us. Additional adults will be charged at £16.00 pp.

Other than refreshments and retail goods from the shop the above fares are inclusive. Bookings must be made at least a month before travel, bookings requested less than a month before travel will be at the discretion of the railway. Payment will be by invoice after travel.

Gift bags are available. Please request these at the time of booking if they are required.

Facilities

Free car and coach parking: available at both Sheffield Park and Horsted Keynes stations but due to planning restrictions there is no parking at Kingscote station. At East Grinstead station there is limited disabled parking available but no Bluebell car or coach facilities. Public car parks, however, are available nearby.

Accessibility: a carriage for wheelchair-bound or mobility impaired visitors is normally available.

Reserved seating: seating in open plan carriages is reserved for groups starting their journeys at Sheffield Park. Unfortunately, no seats can be reserved on departures from East Grinstead.

Toilets: available on board most trains (not disabled) and at all four stations with disabled facilities available at Sheffield Park, Kingscote, and East Grinstead stations.

Picnic areas: outdoor picnic areas are available at Sheffield Park, Horsted Keynes, and Kingscote Stations. In case of wet weather Sheffield Park, Horsted Keynes and Kingscote stations all have canopied areas on the platforms which provide cover. There are also Waiting Rooms at Horsted Keynes and Kingscote Stations. Snacks can also be eaten on board the train.

Gift Shop: Sheffield Park Station – a souvenir pack can be made up in advance of your visit.

Guided visits: an experienced guide is normally available to accompany the party.

Preliminary Visits and Risk Assessment

It is the responsibility of schools to conduct satisfactory risk assessments prior to their visit but the Bluebell can assist in two ways:

  1. Free preliminary visit for up to two teaching staff on an agreed date, including a trip on the train. This will provide the opportunity to inspect the facilities on offer, and to discuss any specific needs with our experienced staff. Arrangements for such visits should be made via the Sales and Information Office or the Education Officer.
  2. Guidance as to the risk assessment factors that will need to be taken into account during these visits.

Safeguarding

The Bluebell Railway values and encourages the involvement of people of all ages and circumstances  It is committed to promoting their well-being and enjoyment and protecting their health, safety and welfare.

Our Safeguarding Policy and Incident Reporting System set out the arrangements for ensuring the safety and welfare of children and vulnerable adults whilst on the Bluebell Railway’s premises or while engaging in activities controlled by the Bluebell Railway.

You can find further information on our Safeguarding Policy page.

Stepney Club

Aside from formal School Visits, the Bluebell provides younger children between the ages of three and eight with opportunities to learn about the Railway through the medium of The Stepney Club. The aim is to foster an interest in railways, steam locomotives and our railway heritage; a sort of Thomas the Tank Engine for the discerning.

Stepney is our figurehead engine – he was the first engine to come to the railway in 1960 and featured in his own book (no.18), “Stepney the “Bluebell” Engine” by the Rev. W. Awdry.

Members of the Stepney Club receive and can enjoy:

  • A badge, membership card and discounted travel on the Bluebell Railway at any time
  • A card from Stepney on their birthday
  • A magazine every four months containing stories, pictures, puzzles, information about upcoming events and letters and drawings from members
  • A summer event – either a birthday party for Stepney on the railway or an outing to a railway themed venue the cost is £8 for a year’s membership, £12 for two years and £16 for three years

If you require further information about the Club this can be obtained from the Membership Secretary Gerry Smith – stepneyblue@hotmail.com

Information Sheets

To assist schools when planning visits to the Bluebell, the Railway has produced a series of information sheets. These are designed to provide information across a range of subjects in a straightforward manner suitable for a range of age groups.